KNIGHTHAWKS MAKE FIVE PLAYER MOVES

Feb 17, 2017

(February 17, 2017)… The Rochester Knighthawks announced today that the team has activated forward Josh Becker, and defensemen Luc Magnan and Joel Matthews. In related moves, the Knighthawks moved forward Dan Lomas and defenseman John Rae to the practice squad.

Becker receives the first promotion of his NLL career. The 25-year-old, who signed a one-year deal on Feb. 1, recently played for the St. Catharines ShockWave of the Arena Lacrosse League (ALL). When he joined the Knighthawks, Becker was fifth in the league in scoring and fourth on his team in points. The Allegany product played his collegiate lacrosse at Division II Lake Erie College.

“Being called up to the active roster is obviously very exciting,” said Becker. “I have been dreaming of this opportunity my whole life. The biggest thing I want to do is have fun. Honestly, that's when I play my best.”

Magnan, who signed with the Knighthawks in December, made his Rochester debut on Dec. 29. The Pine Falls, Manitoba native spent last season with Toronto and notched two assists and 39 loose balls in 11 games. The 24-year-old was originally selected by the Rock in the second round (16th overall) of the 2015 NLL Entry Draft.

“It’s pretty obvious that it’s a big weekend; we are playing the top two teams in the East,” said Magnan. “We want to make sure we are still in the (playoff) hunt. For me personally, I am happy about it and I am ready to go.”

Matthews rejoins the active roster from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The St. Catharines, Ontario native has appeared in three games this season and has one goal and four loose balls.

“It feels great to be back on the active roster. I have been working harder in the gym and on my cardio,” he said. “I am going to bring energy and physicality, but I need to play smart and make sure I remain on the active roster. I'm thankful to the coaches. This is a defining weekend for the Knighthawks and I want to do anything I can to help.”

The Knighthawks will play two games this weekend against East Division foes. Rochester hosts the Toronto Rock on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena. On Sunday, the Knighthawks will travel to play the Georgia Swarm at 6:05 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Field at Infinite Energy Arena.